We know that opening times, events and experiences are affected by Covid 19 restrictions, so please make sure you check before you go!

Can't see the place you're looking for?

Thames:

Tairua:

Switch regions Arrow
Southland Map

Southland

Regions / hotspots

What are you looking for?

  • Southland

This region holds the southernmost reaches of Aotearoa, including Stewart Island/Rakiura, and is dominated by Fiordland National Park, the country's largest. Southland's main centre, Invercargill, combines the staid Scottish formality of its settling European influence with a breathtaking sense of being just moments away from stunning wilderness and wide-open skies, with several rivers rushing through the city on their way to meet the sea.

Southland comprises a vast parcel of farmland hemmed in on all sides by either mountains, coastal native bush or Foveaux Strait and the Southern Ocean. What is not raised on pasture or grown is enthusiastically hunted or fished by locals and visitors. Travelling through Southland is a true visual reminder of this unique provenance. Whether it is abruptly rising snowcapped peaks, seen across lush, calmly rolling hills in an inland farming community such as Lumsden or Winton, or glimpsing Rakiura through seaspray and mist while standing on Bluff Hill with the fishing port at your back, you never feel far from either the humble industry of raising food or from the adventure of seeking it out from the untamed land and sea. Tradition, hard graft and innovation are intrinsically linked to the food and the finding of it, whether it be muttonbird from the Tītī Islands, whitebait from the Ōreti River or Bluff oysters and king salmon out of Foveaux Strait.

Small inland townships pepper the countryside. Lumsden has its very own coffee roastery ROAR, and the Bafé Bakery has must-stop-for doughnuts and outstanding pies. Winton has several cafés and country pubs to sample as well as the family-run Uppercuts Butchery and is only a half-hour drive from Invercargill. For wild food foragers, Gore is the gateway to reputedly the best dry-fly fishing in the world on the Mataura River.

Filter your results:
  • Cuisine Magazine
    Cuisine Magazine winner
  • Restaurant Association
    Restaurant Association winner
  • Beef + Lamb Excellence
    Beef + Lamb Excellence winner
  • 18 Mar 2023
Take a trip through the diverse flavours, sights and sounds of Southland’s epic Multicultural Food
  • 25 Mar 2023
Take your seat for a lunch like no other. You’re at a beautifully laid out table in the…
  • Cnr North Road and Gimblett Street
  • Invercargill
The Foundry is a restaurant and bar with ambiance, style and quality decor. Not only can you enjoy…
  • 36 Kamahi Road
  • Stewart Island
Fully licenced, a la carte menu specialising in local cuisine. Cosy open fire. Superb coffee 3…
  • 158 Tay St
  • Invercargill
Famous pie shop in Invercargill using local flavours and ingredients. Like most good things, Fat…
  • 17 Pluto Rd
  • Lumsden
GATHERED GAME HANDCRAFTS PREMIUM WILD VENISON SALAMI AND DEER STICKS, NATURALLY DRY AGED THE OLD…
Beef + Lamb Excellence
  • 12 Mokonui Street
  • Te Anau
The Redcliff has a reputation of being the best restaurant in Te Anau for great food, wine, and…
Next Page
Arrow

Stay in the loop

We'll keep you up to date with all things food going on around New Zealand

(But don't worry, we won't spam your inbox with emails)


* Indicates required fields

Or, skip this and just take a look around our site